Estes Park, Colorado, is a small community located approximately 90 miles northwest of Denver, serving as the gateway to the Rocky Mountains and Rocky Mountain National Park. With a population of around 5,400, residents enjoy a strong sense of community and year-round outdoor activities. The park offers over 300 miles of hiking trails, 140 lakes, and 70 mountains exceeding 12,000 feet, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts. During warmer months, locals engage in fishing, swimming, boating, and white-water rafting, while winter brings opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing. Estes Park also features traditional parks like Riverside and Baldwin Park, equipped with swings, picnic tables, and scenic views, as well as the Estes Valley Dog Park for pet owners. Downtown Estes Park, centered around the Riverwalk, is bustling with shops, restaurants, and boutiques, including Earthwood Artisans, showcasing works from over 200 artists. The community supports a local economy bolstered by tourism, particularly in the summer. Despite the higher cost of living, with home prices averaging $465,000, the area offers a mild and dry climate, free shuttle services during peak months, and favorable student-teacher ratios in schools. Crime rates in Estes Park are lower than the national average, with property crime being less prevalent than violent crime.
